Toxoplasmosis in a domestic shorthair cat
A six year old female spayed cat, presented to the Cornell Emergency Clinic for a fever of unknown origin. Six days prior to admission the cat was taken to the primary veterinarian for inappetence and lethargy, she had a temperature of 104.9 F. She was treated with intravenous fluids, enrofloxacin, meloxicam, adn Revolution for ear mites. Her fever resolved and she was discharged home. After two days she again became anorexic and was subsequently brought to Cornell. On presentation the patient was dehydrated, febrile, had lumbosacral pain and chorioretinitis. Blood work revealed hypoproteinemia and a stress leukogram; a FeLV/FIV SNAP test was negative. Hypertension was ruled out and lateral lumbosacral radiographs did not show any abnormalities. The patient was presumptively treated with clindamycin for Toxoplasma gondii infection, and was later confirmed positive by serology. The cat responded well to treatment and her clinical signs resolved, however this was not reflected in her Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM titers taken 3 months later. Interpreting Toxoplasma gondii titers can be confusing and seroposivity is often of concern to owners, veterinarians and physicians, especially when considering the zoonotic potential of Toxoplasma gondii in regards to pregnant women. This case report will discuss the diagnostic approach to a cat with a fever of unknown origin and chorioretinitis. In addition the zoonotic potential and prevention of toxoplasmosis will be discussed.